Mark Smith leads SC-01 GOP forum straw poll at 34.1%, edging Alex Pelbath

Republican voters attending a forum for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District cast ballots in an informal straw poll.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:12pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty political campaign office or debate hall, with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows and deep shadows casting across the room, creating a contemplative, nostalgic mood.An early straw poll offers a glimpse into Republican voter preferences in a crowded primary for South Carolina's open congressional seat.Summerville Today

In an informal straw poll at a GOP forum for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District, Republican candidate Mark Smith led the field with 34.1% support, followed by Alex Pelbath at 29.5% and Jay Byars at 13.6%. Several other candidates finished in single digits. Party leaders said the results reflect early engagement among Republican voters but emphasized the poll is not scientific and only represents attendees at the event.

Why it matters

The open seat in South Carolina's 1st Congressional District is contributing to a competitive Republican primary ahead of the June 9 election. This straw poll provides an early look at voter preferences in a crowded field, though the results may not be fully representative of the broader electorate in the district.

The details

The forum, hosted jointly by the Dorchester County Republican Party and the Berkeley County Republican Party, featured more than 10 candidates vying for the open seat. Organizers said the event focused on issues including border security, the economy, infrastructure, national security and federal spending.

  • The GOP forum for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District took place on Thursday, April 17, 2026.
  • The June 9 election is the date of the primary election for the open seat.

The players

Mark Smith

A Republican candidate who led the straw poll with 34.1% support.

Alex Pelbath

A Republican candidate who finished second in the straw poll with 29.5% support.

Jay Byars

A Republican candidate who finished third in the straw poll with 13.6% support.

Dorchester County Republican Party

The party that co-hosted the GOP forum where the straw poll was conducted.

Berkeley County Republican Party

The party that co-hosted the GOP forum where the straw poll was conducted.

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What they’re saying

“Last night's win is a clear sign of the momentum we're building across the Lowcountry. We've worked hard to earn the support of grassroots conservatives, local leaders, and Republican voters who are ready for a proven conservative who gets results.”

— Mark Smith

“This straw poll reflects strong engagement from Republican voters who are taking this process seriously. Forums allow voters to compare candidates in a large field.”

— Party leaders

What’s next

Organizers said additional forums and outreach efforts are planned as part of a broader effort to boost voter participation heading into the general election.

The takeaway

This early straw poll provides a glimpse into Republican voter preferences in the crowded primary for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District, though the results may not be fully representative of the broader electorate. The open seat is contributing to a competitive race, and party leaders are focused on engaging voters through forums and other outreach efforts.